Discover the Douro & Seine Rivers: 15 days Porto to Paris

Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Radiance. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

EmeraldPLUS
Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.

This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.

Included Excursion
Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak experience in Pinhão

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk through the vineyards

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.

Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for a walking tour, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest universities in Europe that dates back to 1218. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Salamanca

EmeraldPLUS
Tuna music band in Salamanca

This morning, we are docked in Pocinho  from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your touryou will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.

Included Excursion
Tour to Castelo Rodrigo

EmeraldPLUS
Port wine cocktail lesson on board

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Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

On today’s included excursion, you’ll visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you will get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lamego

EmeraldPLUS
Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca

EmeraldPLUS
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

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Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its export of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take their produce across the water.

Your included tour of the coastal city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, our active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Porto

EmeraldPLUS
A cruise through Porto

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk in Porto

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Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)

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Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

After breakfast, you will disembark your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship for your flight to Paris, where your river cruising journey will continue.

Today, you’ll visit Giverny, a picturesque village near Vernon on the banks of the Seine, where celebrated impressionist artist, Claude Monet, lived for over forty years. Experience an early morning tour of Giverny Gardens and Monet’s former home until his death in 1926. Explore the beautifully preserved house, walking through the rooms where he lived and worked and the restored, elaborate gardens, which inspired some of his most iconic works.

Included Excursion
In the footsteps of Claude Mone

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Giverny

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Paint like Monet (extra expense)

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Rouen by Night (extra expense)

Welcome to Rouen, a beautiful city set along the Seine and steeped in history and heritage – from Vikings and saints to renowned artists. In the morning, join a guided walk through Rouen’s medieval centre. Learn how this former Roman settlement emerged as a major stronghold of Viking invaders during the 9th century. Alternatively, join a guided EmeraldACTIVE walk through Rouen, discovering more of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires.’

Later, on board your Star-Ship, gain deeper insight into history with EmeraldPLUS World War II lecture that sets the stage for your visit to the legendary D-Day beaches the following day.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rouen

EmeraldPLUS
World War II lecture on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk in Rouen

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Camembert Cheese farm visit with tasting (extra expense)

The success of the historical ‘D-Day’ was a turning point in World War II, opening a crucial Western front and accelerating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Normandy’s role in this extraordinary military operation makes it one of the most important regions in World War II history. Remembered today for its strategic importance, Normandy was a turning point in the war and the beginnings of liberation for occupied Europe.

Today, you’ll join a remarkable full-day experience and war-themed tour, focused on this highly significant time in World War II. Visit the key sites of the historical D-Day landings by the Allied forces and subsequent battles – one of Normandy’s major highlights. Experience first-hand the Normandy beaches where the Allied vessels landed, as well as the memorials and museum, which honour the bravery of those involved and their ultimate sacrifice.

Included Excursion
Historic Normandy: Allied Landing Sites

Enjoy a leisurely day discovering Honfleur, a popular harbour town best known for its picturesque old port and well-preserved, timber-framed houses. Your morning walking tour presents a fascinating snapshot of Honfleur’s unique character and Normandy seaside charm. Stroll around the bustling quay, enjoying the delightful views of colourful fishing boats, scenes that inspired the Impressionist artists. Explore the town’s quaint streets and admire the striking St. Catherine Church, the largest wooden church in France rebuilt entirely of wood from the nearby forest.

As Honfleur is also renowned for its premium fresh seafood, your tour includes a fresh oyster tasting – savouring authentic local flavours. Alternatively, for a different pace, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour of Honfleur.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Honfleur with oyster tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Honfleur

While enjoying a serene cruise along the River Seine, take part in an exclusive EmeraldPLUS cheese tasting on board your Star-Ship. As you take in the bucolic riverine views, relish the delicious, rich and authentic flavours that are connected to the timeless rural lands and traditions of Normandy.

In the afternoon, discover the heart of Normandy’s countryside with a visit to a traditional cider farm. On this EmeraldPLUS you’ll learn how the region’s crisp, refreshing cider is crafted from locally-grown apples using age-old methods. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of authentic local products that celebrate the renowned flavours of Normandy.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more energetic pace, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided hike up to Château Gaillard – the storied remnants of a medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart. From the clifftops, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the River Seine and an area of outstanding beauty.

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese tasting on board

EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive local cider farm visit with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Château Gaillard

With your Star-Ship docked in La Roche Guyon this morning, you’re in close walking distance to Château de La Roche-Guyon, a beautifully preserved estate steeped in centuries of history. Enjoy a morning tour to immerse yourself in the rich history and serene beauty of this riverside gem.

Château de La Roche-Guyon served as a strategic stronghold during the Anglo-French Hundred Years’ War and evolved as a favourite country retreat for Normandy’s nobility. Originally built as a fortified castle in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, the Château majestically stands as a testament to French architectural heritage.

Wander along tranquil pathways through the meticulously maintained gardens. Within the Château, discover elegant period rooms adorned with antique furnishings and artwork – offering a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of past centuries.

For those seeking a more active morning experience, kayak along the Seine for a different perspective of this iconic river.

Included Excursion
Visit to Château Guyon & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak on the Seine

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh (extra expense)

Today, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and your luxury Star-Ship, leaving with memories of Normandy’s timeless landscapes, authentic flavours and compelling historical sites. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.